Ofer Winter Backtracks on Netanyahu Endorsement, Citing Potential Error

Ofer Winter, chairman of the "Am Yisrael" party, has publicly expressed doubt about his earlier commitment to recommend Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for government formation. When questioned about his pledge, Winter admitted, "It might not have been right to say at the beginning." This statement has drawn sharp criticism from the Likud party, which accused him of potentially diverting votes to a "left-wing government."

In response to the developing political situation ahead of election day, Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, made a special appeal to Winter. Smotrich offered to relinquish a ministerial position from his party's quota for Winter, specifically a role in the Defense Ministry with broad authorities, in exchange for Winter withdrawing from the electoral race. Smotrich proposed that Winter would be granted authority over two dedicated directorates: one for voluntary immigration from Gaza and another for integrating Haredim into the IDF and the workforce.

Smotrich urged Winter to demonstrate national responsibility, warning against repeating past mistakes that led to the "cursed Oslo Accords" following the 1992 elections. He emphasized that Winter's party is currently polling below the electoral threshold, and continuing the run would mean wasting tens of thousands of votes and risking a national disaster. Smotrich asserted that votes lost below the threshold could determine the election outcome and prevent a "left-wing government."

These developments occur amidst ongoing tensions regarding the independent run of Winter's "Am Yisrael" party. Prime Minister Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that Winter's candidacy jeopardizes the right-wing bloc by potentially wasting votes. Calls for Winter's withdrawal have also come from prominent figures in Religious Zionism, including Rabbi Eli Sadan, who met with Netanyahu and Smotrich. Additionally, dozens of bereaved families have publicly urged Winter to withdraw to ensure the right-wing bloc secures the necessary 61 mandates.

Despite these pressures, Winter and his party have consistently rejected calls to withdraw, dismissing the demands as an "unsubstantive campaign" and vowing to compete until the end. Winter has also criticized the government's security policy, arguing it is stuck in a containment mindset rather than pursuing a decisive victory, citing issues like humanitarian aid and the treatment of arrested terrorists. He previously stated he would recommend Netanyahu, but only under three conditions: a fair conscription law before the government is sworn in, a complete military decision in Gaza with encouragement of emigration, and a coalition not dependent on United Torah Judaism. With Winter now questioning his initial commitment and Smotrich's significant offer on the table, the decision on his political future rests with him just before the polls open.